At least 71 people were killed after a truck fell into a river in Ethiopia

Authorities in the Sidama region of southern Ethiopia said on Monday that at least 71 people were killed in an accident where a bus crowded with passengers fell into a river in the Buna region of the region.
Among the passengers who died was a group returning from a wedding, while some families lost more than one member in the accident.
The passengers, including the bride, were on their way from a religious ceremony to the home of the bride’s parents.
Authorities said the search for victims was continuing, adding that the death toll could rise, as many survivors were seriously injured. The accident occurred in a remote area suffering from poor infrastructure.

Big pressure

A nearby hospital received 73 injured people. “We are under a lot of pressure,” the hospital spokesman said, adding that those seriously injured would be transferred to the regional capital.
A nurse said that the nearest hospital does not have the necessary equipment to provide care for those seriously injured.
She added, “The town is not in a position to carry out professional rescue operations.” Rural areas in Ethiopia lack official bus routes.
Passengers are often transported by trucks, which are often crowded and travel over winding mountain roads.

Critical condition

The accident resulted in the deaths of 68 men and 3 women, said Sidama Regional Government spokesman, Wasniele Simeon.
He added that five others were in critical condition and undergoing treatment at Pune General Hospital.
The accident occurred late yesterday, Sunday, when the bus driver lost control and it fell into the river.
Reports indicated that the road had many curves, which made driving more difficult.